Tuesday, October 11, 2011

From little things big things grow

Human rights activists sing the national anthem at Princess Road in Suva to mark Fiji day. Picture: IVAMERE ROKOVESAfrom wI'm not interested in the hype of most speeches about Fiji Day but here is one small story about a group of activists with a love of Fiji and hope for the future. The journalist says they were singing the Fiji National Anthem, but of course if you really notice the English words of the anthem, there is a great deal of hypocracy/irony/fantasy in the words!

Love and honour our country, activists say

Serelisoni MoceicaTuesday, October 11, 2011

LOVE and honour our beloved country, Fiji.

The comment was made yesterday by a group of human rights activists who celebrated Independence Day holiday in Tamavua, Suva.

"Fiji Day is a good time to start and as citizens of Fiji we must move forward on a common platform that embraces human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law," said host, Shamima Ali, the executive director of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre.

Ms Ali said the resilience of the people of Fiji through these hard times was to be celebrated including individuals who were genuine in their efforts to move the country forward.

Youth advocate, Tura Lewai said the day was about remembering the tireless work of the people who have Fiji at heart and said youths were starting to take action.

"You don't need big rallies, a march or even a big crown, you just need to start by changing your mindset, and that in itself, is great and will make a difference as change comes from people and change starts from citizens"," said Hibiscus king, Peter Waqavonovono.

The advocates held up banners with lyrics of the national anthem and also sang the anthem as part of the party.------------------And here are the words of the Fiji National Anthem, as from wikipedia. Note the Fijian words were written many years ago as a sere ni vanua (national song) and the English words were those of the winner of a competition in 1970 where people were asked to write verses to a set tune which was an old hymn tune called 'Beulah Land'.

English lyrics

Blessing grant oh God of nations on the isles of FijiAs we stand united under noble banner blueAnd we honour and defend the cause of freedom everOnward march togetherGod bless Fiji

Let us show pride and honour our nationWhere righteous people resideWhere prosperity and fellowship may persevereAbandon deeds that are immoral

CHORUS:Let Fiji live onAnd progress onwardsMay our leaders be honourable menLet them lead our peopleTo great thingsAnd bring an end to all things immoralLet us show pride and honour our nationWhere righteous people resideWhere prosperity and fellowship may persevereAbandon deeds that are immoral

The burden of change lie on your shoulders youth of FijiBe the strength to cleanse our nationBe wary and not harbour maliceFor we must abandon such sentiments forever[edit] Hindi Lyrics

In August 2008, the draft version of the People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress, a government document intended to supplement the Constitution, recommended a change in the national anthem. It suggested that the national anthem should be in the country's three main languages: Fijian, Hindi and English.[1]

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About Me

Babasiga (pronounced bambasinga) is the dry land of Macuata in northern Fiji - our place in the sun in Fiji. Peceli is from Fiji from the village is Vatuadova and the beach is Nukutatava. Peceli Ratawa passed away on 27th December 2015 so this is Wendy's blog now. Wendy is an Australian and today live in Geelong, Australia.